Best in Fest

Latest Episodes:

From Soldier to Storyteller: Shannan Wynn on Indie Filmmaking Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Best in Fest, filmmaker, educator, and Army veteran Shannan Wynn shares her extraordinary journey from serving in the armed forces and counseling at-risk youth to building her own production company, Winquest Entertainment. Shannan reveals how her life experiences inspired her debut thriller A Life of Sunshine—a female-driven, murder mystery now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV—and how she navigated the challenges of self-funding, casting, and distribution
Shannan Wynn.

She also dives into her collaboration on the relationship documentary The Love Script, the importance of partnerships in indie filmmaking, and her future plans to adapt her children’s book The Tales of Chance and the Faithful Few (with a foreword by CeCe Winans) into an animated series
Shannan Wynn. Along the way, Shannan shares advice on building relationships, supporting other filmmakers, and why you should “never put a period where a comma belongs.”

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a fan of thrillers and documentaries, or simply looking for inspiration to pivot careers, this conversation is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and following your passion.

Lela Christine Thompson on Branding, Indie Marketing, and Digital Media Influence Oct 21, 2025

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In this episode of Best in Fest, branding strategist, publisher, and fashion-to-film trailblazer Lela Christine Thompson shares how she built a dynamic career at the intersection of fashion, entertainment, and digital media. From designing for Queen Pen and collaborating with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on campaigns for Moulin Rouge, Soul Food, and The Hunger Games, to launching her own digital magazines like Power Player Lifestyle, Fab Five Lifestyle, and Goddess Couture News, Lela reveals how creative vision and persistence can open unexpected doors.

She dives deep into brand marketing for independent filmmakers, the power of social impact media, and how to leverage product placement, blogs, and digital magazines to grow your film’s reach. With practical tips on creating a social media calendar, saving behind-the-scenes content, and pitching to online outlets, this conversation is a masterclass in building a digital footprint that lasts.

Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, content creator, or entrepreneur looking to elevate your brand, this episode will inspire you to think outside the box and embrace the ever-evolving media landscape.

Breaking Barriers & Building Empires: Kimberly Ogletree on Producing, BET, and Greenlight Women Oct 14, 2025

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In this powerhouse episode of Best in Fest, award-winning producer and industry trailblazer Kimberly Ogletree shares her incredible journey through music videos, television, and independent filmmaking. From working with icons like Russell Simmons, Stevie Wonder, and Julie Dash to producing groundbreaking content for BET, Viacom, and MTV, Kimberly reveals how she transitioned from million-dollar music videos to producing ten original TV movies on a shoestring budget—paving the way for Black storytelling in Hollywood.

Now serving as the President of Greenlight Women, Kimberly discusses her mission to champion women over 40 in entertainment, tackle ageism, and create inclusive, family-focused content. Tune in as she dives into the art of creative producing, the challenges of studio-level oversight, and the importance of saying "yes" even when the odds are stacked against you.

Whether you're a filmmaker, a fan of behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights, or looking to break into the industry, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and representation.

Love the Skin You’re In: Sauda Johnson-McNeal on Self-Love and Storytelling, Oct 07, 2025

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In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, entertainment attorney turned filmmaker Sauda Johnson-McNeal shares her journey from studying acting at USC to founding her own production company, Ron Ash LLC, and creating the award-winning independent film Love the Skin You’re In. What began as a personal story of healing and self-discovery evolved into a powerful film about self-acceptance, resilience, and learning to love yourself at every stage of life
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Sauda opens up about self-funding her debut feature, working alongside Hollywood legends Obba Babatundé and Marla Gibbs, and the lessons she learned from balancing her dual worlds as a lawyer and creative
riverside_sauda_johnson-mcneal_…. She also discusses the importance of representation, mentorship, and perseverance in today’s changing entertainment landscape—and why “believing in yourself” isn’t just a cliché, it’s a strategy.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a creative professional facing self-doubt, or someone seeking a reminder that your story matters, this episode will leave you empowered to love the skin you’re in—literally and figuratively.

Bobbi Banks on Breaking Barriers in Post-Production and the Future of Film Sound Sep 30, 2025

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In this episode of Best in Fest, Emmy-nominated supervising sound editor Bobbi Banks shares her inspiring journey from starting as an assistant with no film background to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected post-production voices. With over 120 film and TV credits—including Desperately Seeking Susan, Poetic Justice, Self Made, Snowfall, and When They See Us—Bobbi reflects on her early mentors, her groundbreaking work with John Singleton, and her path to leadership in the Motion Picture Sound Editors and Editors Guild
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Bobbi dives deep into the artistry of ADR, the evolving role of technology and AI in sound, and why mentorship is critical for the next generation of filmmakers. She also opens up about navigating Hollywood as a woman of color in a male-dominated field, her perspective on unions, and the creative choices that make sound one of the most powerful storytelling tools in cinema
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Whether you’re a filmmaker, sound enthusiast, or just curious about what makes movies truly come alive, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the craft of sound.

Manifesting Masterpieces: Christine La Monte on the Art of Saying Yes Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, producer and filmmaker Christine La Monte takes us on a globe-spanning journey through her extraordinary career—from pioneering studio marketing campaigns in the 1980s to producing award-winning documentaries like Viva Verdi and Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly. Christine shares how she broke into the male-dominated entertainment industry, the spiritual force behind her creative choices, and how saying “yes” led to collaborations with cinematic legends and global human rights icons. Tune in to hear how she weaves opera, activism, ageism, and artistry into unforgettable storytelling—and why she believes miracles show up when you stay open to them. A must-listen for anyone navigating career pivots, indie film, or the fine line between passion and purpose.

Buddhism, Smuggled Hash & Hidden Footage: Marta György-Kessler’s Untold Journey into Documentary Filmmaking Sep 16, 2025

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Actress-turned-documentarian Marta György-Kessler joins Best in Fest to share her fascinating transformation from the stages of Budapest to uncovering untold spiritual journeys through film. In this episode, Marta dives into the backstory of her award-winning documentary Hannah: Buddhism's Untold Journey, her deep connection to Buddhist icon Hannah Nydahl, and her current film chronicling the life of the 16th Karmapa—one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered figures.

Host Leslie Lippa explores Marta's unique path from the post-communist struggles of Hungary to discovering lost archival footage in basements, building a multi-continent documentary team, and navigating festival circuits and Netflix distribution. Marta also unpacks the challenges women face in the film industry, the emotional depth of true storytelling, and how Buddhist philosophy continues to shape her creative process.

If you're a filmmaker, spiritual seeker, or documentary lover—this episode is a must-listen.

Richard Lawson on Acting, Empowerment & The Artist’s Roadmap to Success Sep 09, 2025

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In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with legendary actor, director, teacher, and empowerment leader Richard Lawson. With a career spanning over 55 years—from Poltergeist to Tyler Perry productions—Lawson shares his journey of resilience, integrity, and artistry. He discusses his groundbreaking philosophy from The Artist’s Roadmap, why “no” is never the end but a reroute, and how mastering both craft and business creates lasting success in Hollywood. Along the way, he opens up about teaching icons like George Clooney, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jim Carrey, while offering invaluable lessons on preparation, purpose, and pursuing dreams at any stage of life. Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into a lifelong career

Breaking Barriers in Animation: Sam Goff on Diversity, Storytelling, and Building Global Hits Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with Sam Goff—creative talent manager at Fourth Wall Management and self-proclaimed “animation activist.” From her early days at DreamWorks and Netflix to teaching animated perspectives at Loyola Marymount and Cal State Long Beach, Sam shares how authentic voices are reshaping the future of animation. She dives into the importance of DEI in storytelling, why projects like K-Pop Demon Hunters succeed where others fall flat, and how marginalized creators can break into the industry through indie projects, web comics, and direct-to-market platforms. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, filmmaker, or simply a fan of global stories, this episode reveals why authentic perspectives matter and how they’re transforming the entertainment landscape

Jermaine McGhee: From Stage to Screen—Dance, Choreography & Storytelling Through Movement Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to transform a lifetime of dance into powerful storytelling for film, opera, and television? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Les LaPage sits down with Jermaine McGhee—scholar, choreographer, educator, and former principal dancer for the LA and San Francisco Opera, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar.

Jermaine shares his journey from performing in blockbuster films like Dance Flick to choreographing works that merge ballet, jazz, and American dance culture. He opens up about:

The pivotal moment he shifted from dancer to choreographer.
How communication shapes the relationship between directors, performers, and dancers.
Why iconic sequences like White Nights set the standard for dance on film.
Advice for young artists on finding their unique voice instead of copying others.
The future of dance in film and streaming, and how projects like Tule are sparking a new renaissance.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, choreographer, or dance enthusiast, Jermaine’s insights reveal why movement is more than performance—it’s storytelling with purpose and impact
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👉 Listen in and discover how to elevate dance sequences from background filler to unforgettable cinematic moments.

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